All you really need is a space that receives good sunlight (at least a minimum of six hours a day; eight hours is even better), a little spare time, a few pots, some organic potting soil, and healthy seedlings.

Here are a few pros and cons of growing vegetables in containers.

Pros of Growing Vegetables In Containers

Growing vegetables in containers is a great way to offer your family fresh vegetables no matter where you live, or how much space you have. Here are just a few of the benefits of growing vegetables in containers.

Growing Vegetables In Containers Offers More Flexibility

Growing vegetables in containers offers far more flexibility than raised beds, or in-ground vegetable gardens. Whether you live in a huge apartment complex with small balconies, or in suburbia with home owner’s association rules, you can grow vegetables in containers.

They are perfect for elderly people, or those with handicaps, because the containers can be elevated to suit the needs of the person.

Even if you have a large vegetable garden, containers offer the convenience of having the vegetables right on the deck, or patio for easy maintenance and harvesting.

For example, small deck planters can be used to grow herbs and lettuces. These planters can be easily hung from windows, or deck and balcony railings.

Containers Are Easier to Maintain

Vegetables grown in containers are much easier to maintain because you have less problem with weeds and pests. Since they are typically elevated above ground, and planted intensively, weeds do not get much chance to spring up. The very few weeds that may make it into a container are easy to remove.

This is also an advantage when fighting pests. Growing vegetables in containers can help to slow down, or stop pests issues. You can place them in areas away from nibbling rabbits, and insects like slugs or snails.

This means the container gardener can spend less time pulling weeds and plucking insects, and more time enjoying their vegetables.

Containers Are Mobile

Growing vegetables in containers offers mobility that you would never be able to do in a raised bed or in-ground garden. Containers can be easily moved to provide optimum growing conditions.

You can set pots in areas with good sun in the morning, then move them later as the sun’s position changes throughout the day. Small containers can be hung up for easy accessibility and to keep them away from pets and other animals.

Also, they can be moved to shaded areas during those sweltering summer days.

Large containers can be placed on wheeled stands for easy maneuverability.

Cons of Growing Vegetables In Containers

Although there are many benefits to growing vegetables in containers there are a few limitations. Here are some disadvantages.

Large, Sprawling Vegetables Don’t Grow Well In Containers

Large, sprawling vegetables typically do not grow well in containers. There can include squash, pumpkins, corn, melons, and cucumbers. These vegetables need a lot of space and usually perform better when grown in the ground.

Root crops such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips need very deep containers for a successful crop. You can use potato grow bags and carrot grow bags to easily grow these vegetables on patios or balconies.

If you are just starting out, consider easier vegetables like lettuces, Swiss chard, green onions, determinate tomatoes, radishes, and beets.

Containers Usually Need More Watering

Soil usually dries out much faster in containers than in raised beds due to the smaller area and better drainage. This means vegetables will need more frequent watering, especially during very warm conditions. You may find times when you will need to water up to three times per day.

Using self-watering containers, like an Earth Box, can help to consistently quench thirsty plants and reduce the amount of time you spend watering each day.

Start Growing Vegetables In Containers Today!

No matter where you live, or what type of dwelling you live in you can easily grow some fresh vegetables in containers. They are a great way to get started on your vegetable garden if it’s all new to you.

Are you going to grow a few vegetables in containers this year? It’s easier than you think!